365 

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GmPT  OIF 
John  S.   Prell 


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EUGENE: 

A    POEM 


MEASURE   OF    SPENSER. 


IN  TWO  CANTOS. 

Q 

,  a.  c- 

BY  CHARLES  GRATE.,^  *^  T5 

PHILADELPHIA:  "^   2*    W* 

PRINTED  BY  T.  K.  &  P.  G.  COLLINS.  O    ^       * 

1843.  ^   H*     ^ 

^    Q       MM 

.      g.    1 


Entered  according  to  the  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty -two,  by 

CHARLES    GRATE, 

in  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  District 

of  Pennsylvania. 


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EUGENE. 


CANTO  I. 


I. 

If  in  the  night  of  these  degenerate  days, 
Thou  canst,  my  muse  of  Spenser,  stoop  so  low, 
I  pray  thee  favour  with  thy  smile  my  lays. 
Disdain  not  in  a  soil  so  mean  to  sow; 
We  know  not  to  what  length  the  crop  may  go: 
The  choicest  fruits  on  flinty  hills  are  found; 
The  lilies  blossom  where  the  briars  grow; 
The  olives  with  the  richest  growth  abound 
Where  an  unbroken  wilderness  extends  around. 


e?S9936 


4  EUGENE. 

n. 

There  dwelt  in  Pennsylvania's  fertile  vale 
A  youth,  who  husbanded  so  well  his  time, 
That,  midst  his  labours  at  the  plough  and  flail, 
He  gained  distinction  in  the  arts  sublime. 
When  foul  besprent  with  toil's  unpleasant  slime, 
He  would,  to  gratify  intense  desire. 
Peruse  by  snatches  works  of  loftiest  rhyme. 
Till  he  had  mastered  their  contents  entire. 
Eugene  his  name,  which  shall  my  rising  song  inspire. 


V  m. 

He  was  the  offspring  of  inglorious  sires. 
They  in  their  number  compassed  but  a  few, 
And,  under  pompous  signatures  of  Squires, 
Had  never  figured  in  the  public  view: 
What  most  distinguished  them,  was  that  they  knew 
To  till  the  earth  with  more  than  common  gain; 
Rich  were  the  harvests  which  they  yearly  drew; 
Their  bams  were  filled  with  various  sorts  of  grain, 
And  lofty  stacks  were  seen  to  deck  the  naked  plain. 


EUGENE. 

IV. 

His  person  was  of  that  imposing  make, 
Which,  whilst  it  shows  a  strength  in  high  degree, 
Will  yet  the  eye  with  its  perfections  take; 
A  figure  tall,  yet  perfect  symmetry; 
A  countenance  ingenuous  as  the  sky; 
An  eye  expressive  of  a  noble  mind. 
Bright  and  varying,  full  of  energy; 
A  step  firm,  to  agility  inclined, 
At  once  the  sum  pf  grace  and  dignity  combined. 


V. 

Unlike  the  youths,  accustomed  to  the  field, 
He  did  not  throw  away  his  leisure  hours. 
But  treasured  them,  the  greatest  fruit  to  yield, 
For  the  improvement  of  his  mental  powers: 
And  what  a  store  of  time,  whilst  winter  lowers, 
May  not  thus  fall  to  enterprising  wight. 
When  day  is  closely  stinted  of  its  dowers. 
And,  lengthening  its  dusky  reign,  the  night 
Draws  on  with  speed,  and  shuts  all  nature  from  tfie  sight. 


$  EUGENE. 

VI. 
He  read  with  care  the  works  of  greatest  fame, 
Dwelt  on  their  beauties,  as  they  richly  threw 
A  lustre  on  the  gifted  author's  name: 
He  passed  them  through  his  mind  in  close  review, 
And  separated  from  the  false  the  true, 
Till,  gold  and  rubbish  to  the  eye  laid  bare. 
He  from  the  process  the  whole  secret  drew. 
That  made  them  monuments  of  genius  rare. 
And  caused  mankind  in  admiration  fixed  to  stare. 


VII. 

'Twas  thus  that  he  escaped  the  fate  of  those, 
Who,  dazzled  by  an  author  of  esteem, 
Adore  whatever  from  his  pen  arose. 
Nay,  e'en  his  oversight  perfections  deem. 
Thus  what  in  Milton  does  incongruous  seem. 
Some  poets,  dnd  of  no  ignoble  taste. 
Have  imitated  in  their  childish  dream. 
As  if  those  errors  which  he  made  through  haste. 
Were  the  sublimities  on  which  his  fame  was  based. 


EUGENE.  7 

vnr. 

Thus  when,  through  failure  of  their  mental  force, 
Some  pedants  cannot  make  a  piece  entire, 
They  in  relief  call  it  Pindaric  verse. 
And  fancy,  that  amidst  their  broken  lyre, 
They  have  the  Theban  bard's  heroic  fire. 
Thus  all  the  poets  of  the  present  day, 
To  Byron's  rugged  numbers  still  aspire, 
Supposing  they  are  in  the  proper  way, 
To  catch  that  strength  of  thought  which  dignifies  his  lay. 


IX. 

However,  as  all  human  projects  go, 
Those  master  poets  too  must  have  their  fools; 
As  tumblers,  when  performing  at  a  show, 
Keep  following  at  their  backs  their  mimic  tools, 
Who,  if  they  cannot  leap  across  the  stools, 
Crawl  through  beneath,  and  then  exclaim  aloud, 
That  they  performed  the  feat  e'en  by  the  rules, 
To  the  diversion  of  the  laughing  crowd. 
Who  love  the  palpable  deceit  in  mirth  to  shroud. 


8  EUGENE. 

X. 

I  here  shall  to  the  curious  reader  show 
Some  of  the  authors  which  Eugene  admired. 
That  Homer's  strain,  its  strong  impetuous  flow, 
His  mind  exalted,  and  his  bosom  fired; 
That  he  found  Virgil  sweet  as  he  desired; 
That  Tully's  eloquence,  and  Plato's  themes 
His  breast  with  ecstasy  unfeigned  inspired, — 
This  no  peculiar  predilection  seems: 
Who  is  not  worked  on  by  the  sun's  congenial  beams? 


XI. 

But  works  in  which  mankind  are  not  agreed, 
By  those  praised  to  the  skies,  cried  down  by  these, 
Just  as  their  taste  or  prejudice  may  plead, 
Of  such  I  here  shall  the  occasion  seize, 
To  show  which  chiefly  could  his  fancy  please. 
The  stormy  Pindar,  lowered  to  this  class, 
Could  his  attention  draw  with  most  increase; 
And  none,  embodying  beauties  in  a  mass, 
A  greater  claim  to  such  a  predilection  has» 


EUGENE. 


XII. 


The  bold  impetuous  movement  of  his  song 
Resembles  all  the  fury  of  a  flame, 
Which,  roaring,  rapid,  sweeps  all  things  along, 
By  far  too  powerful  for  men  to  tame. 
We  know  not  which  shall  most  our  homage  claim, 
The  grandeur  that  his  numbers  have  acquired, 
In  their  sonorous,  wild,  irregular  game. 
Or  the  enthusiasm  with  which  he  was  fired, 
A  spirit  more  than  human — by  the  muse  inspired. 


XIII. 

Thucydides  he  held  as  next  in  place, 
The  greatest  the  historians  among. 
The  candid  statements,  which  in  lucid  trace 
To  the  relation  of  his  facts  belong; 
The  abrupt  rapidity,  which  all  along 
Pervades  his  sentiments  in  close  array; 
The  figurative  expression,  bold  and  strong. 
Itself  a  phrase  set  out  in  rich  display, — 
These  made  Eugene  devote  to  him  the  night  and  day. 


W  EUGENE. 

XIV. 

Let  it  not  seem  a  want  of  taste  entire, 
That  Sappho,  the  unhappy  Lesbian  dame. 
Enchanted  him  with  her  bewitching  lyre. 
The  foul  aspersions  which  defile  her  name, 
I  neither  palliate,  nor  add  to  their  shame; 
Let  higher  tribunals  that  case  decide; 
But  criticised  in  her  poetic  fame, 
She  may  be  looked  on  as  her  nation's  pride. 
Such  as  it  has  none  other  to  boast  of  beside. 


XV. 

As  by  superior  light  the  moon  outshines 
The  twinkling  stars  that  decorate  the  sky. 
And  in  her  orb  such  majesty  combines, 
That  of  the  train  she  first  attracts  the  eye, 
As  ruling  empress  of  the  shining  fry. 
So  Sappho,  ranked  amongst  the  brilliant  fair, 
Does  all  their  nice  embellishments  outvie 
By  her  conceptions  of  a  loftier  air, 
And  stands  pre-eminent  beyond  the  least  compare. 


EUGENE.  11 


XVI. 


What  though  of  all  her  works  we  have  received 
But  a  few  fragments  mutilated  dire, 
Yet  by  their  excellence  it  is  perceived, 
What  was  the  beauty  of  the  piece  entire, 
What  charms  it  breathed,  what  poetic  fire. 
So  by  the  sun's  meridian  scattered  rays, 
Which  to  the  day  of  mortals  here  conspire. 
We  calculate  the  light  which  he  displays 
In  his  collected  orb,  in  his  immediate  ways. 


XVII. 

The  other  ancients,  for  the  present  time, 
I  pass  unnoticed  with  a  reference  by. 
However  worthy  of  the  loftiest  rhyme. 
Convinced  that  those  adduced  as  a  supply, 
Will  show  which  way  my  hero's  taste  did  lie. 
I  now  shall  bring  the  moderns  into  view: 
In  turning  to  their  excellence  my  eye, 
Eugene,  I  find,  gave  Shakspeare's  works  their  due, 
An  act  of  justice  which  is  by  the  way  not  new. 


life  EUGENE. 

xvni. 

Whilst  high-bred  literati  vainly  strove 
To  reach  the  summit  of  poetic  fame, 
Their  feeble  efforts  tending  but  to  prove, 
That  measured  lines,  and  rhyme's  exactest  frame 
Are  far  from  answering  the  muse's  flame. 
Great  Shakspeare,  with  his  village  learning  sUght, 
And  wanting  e'en  the  influence  of  a  name. 
Put  forth  his  genius  in  its  native  might, 
And  straight  attained  Parnassus  to  its  utmost  height. 


XIX. 

Thus  whilst  the  winter  nips  the  verdant  scenes. 
The  rich,  despite  the  price  they  must  bestow, 
Supply  themselves  with  artificial  greens, 
To  trim  their  mantles  with  a  gorgeous  show; 
But  when  kind  Nature  once  begins  to  blow. 
The  woods  themselves  turn  green  in  fresh  array, 
Nay,  flowers  in  the  fields  spontaneous  grow. 
Exhale  their  fragrance  where  the  cattle  stray, 
Are  free  to  all  as  grass,  and  blossom  by  the  way 


EUGENE.  13 

XX. 

His  language,  flowing  with  spontaneous  grace, 
The  immediate  effect  of  genius  rare; 
His  imagery,  coming  in  apace 
To  give  description  an  enlivening  air; 
His  wit,  acknowledged  as  of  genuine  ware; 
His  humour,  breaking  forth  at  seasons  meet. 
Which  none  so  inadvertent  but  must  share,— 
These,  added  to  his  characters  discreet. 
Whilst  on  his  writings  strength  confer,  preserve  them 
sweet. 

XXL 

Although  it  is  above  two  hundred  years. 
Since  of  the  muses  he  became  the  son. 
And  tuned  his  "  woodnotes  wild"  to  British  ears, 
Yet,  with  such  grandeur  are  his  pieces  done. 
That  not  the  change  the  times  have  undergone. 
Nor  the  improvements  in  the  English  tongue, 
(Reforms  which  cut  an  author  to  the  bone,) 
Have  one  perfection  from  his  beauties  wrung. 
They  are  as  staple  as  when  they  were  formerly  sung. 


14  EUGENE. 

XXII 
His  splendour,  founded  on  the  trae  sublime, 
Which  in  his  works  as  principle  obtains. 
No  more  is  altered  by  a  change  of  time, 
Than  is  the  sun  by  earth's  unequal  reigns: 
Though  barren  heaths  and  mountainous  domains 
Do  not  rejoice  beneath  his  genial  ray, 
Like  cultivated  fields  and  fertile  plains, 
Yet  in  the  skies  he  holds  his  luminous  way, 
Is  glorious  to  behold,  and  shines  to  all  the  day 


XXIII. 
That  Milton's  works  were  by  Eugene  admired, 
No  singularity  of  taste  implies. 
Who  read  them,  and  was  not  with  rapture  fired? 
His  minor  poems  were  lauded  to  the  skies, 
When  as  an  author  he  began  to  rise; 
But  when  in  <  Paradise  Lost,'  he  showed  his  mind, 
They  had  no  ornaments  to  take  the  eyes; 
Lost  in  the  splendour  which  that  poem  combined. 
They  fell  into  oblivion,  and  no  longer  shined. 


EUGENE.  15 


XXIV. 


Thus  whilst  the  starry  trains  adorn  the  sky, 
They,  in  their  sparkling  orbits  feebly  bright. 
Disperse  the  dark,  and  glimmering  light  supply; 
Draw  indistinctly  objects  to  the  sight, 
The  checkered  landscape,  and  the  mountain's  height; 
With  gleams  reflected  on  the  waters  play. 
Shine  o'er  the  expanse,  and  chase  the  silvery  light; 
But  when  the  sun  comes  forth  in  bright  array, 
They  are  eclipsed,  and  vanish  in  the  blaze  of  day. 


XXV. 

Of  all  the  writers  who  in  prose  excelled, 
He  spoke  of  Addison  with  warmest  praise; 
He  owned  that  some  to  greater  splendour  swelled; 
But  then  in  those  unstudied  casual  rays, 
W^hich  genius,  in  inimitable  ways. 
Communicates,  as  by  an  angel  sent. 
In  those  he  stood  unrivalled  in  his  days; 
As  Nature's  flowers,  fragrant  to  the  scent. 
Are  unapproached  by  those  on  which  man's  art  is  spent 


16  EUGENE. 

XXVI. 

Throughout  his  works,  in  every  page  we  see 
Some  apt  expressions  happily  applied; 
Not  that  they  dazzle  by  their  novelty, 
Or  are  not  generally  used  beside; 
But  the  facility  with  which  they  slide 
Into  a  sentence,  to  express  with  ease 
The  full  and  the  proportioned  sense  implied, 
Gives  them  the  happy  faculty  to  please. 
And  makes  them  as  original  the  reader  seize. 


XXVII. 

What  yet  adds  to  his  fame,  and  makes  it  last. 
And  what  to  him  alone  we  must  confine, 
Is  that,  amidst  his  beauties  unsurpassed, 
We  see  no  efforts  to  excel  or  shine: 
The  easy  period  and  melodious  line, 
Which  to  his  works,  as  light  to  day,  adhere. 
Seem  of  their  first  creation  to  combine; 
So  natural  in  their  primeval  sphere. 
So  void  of  show,  so  of  all  affectation  clear. 


EUGENE.  17 

XXVIIL 

To  form  a  true  idea  of  his  style, 
Its  characteristics  not  to  be  described, 
Its  artless  manner,  yet  glowing  all  the  while, 
A  handsome  woman,  by  no  fashions  bribed, 
Above  all  ornaments  to  dress  ascribed, 
Her  plainness  setting  off  her  native  grace. 
Those  manners  she  from  Nature's  self  imbibed 
Her  spring  of  motion,  the  affection  of  her  face. 
May  well  assist  the  fancy  its  deserts  to  trace. 


XXIX. 

Thus  bent  on  knowledge,  thus  with  taste  endowed. 
Was  not  Eugene  with  honours  circled  round? 
Did  he  not  rise  above  the  unthinking  crowd, 
By  his  importance,  and  research  profound? 
Did  not  his  wit  and  pleasantries  abound 
In  the  refined  assemblies  of  the  land. 
Where  passed  in  jocund  laugh  the  silver  sound. 
And  sweet  affection  smiled  from  faces  bland, 
The  whole  with  delicacy  and  decorum  planned? 
2 


la  EUGENE. 

XXX. 

Alas!  afflicted  with  a  deafness  sore, 
He  languished  in  obscurity  unknown, 
No  prospect  of  advancement  left  in  store. 
In  science  to  a  depth  unrivalled  gone — 
He  seemed  unlettered  as  the  greatest  clown 5 
Of  good  address — he  had  a  sheepish  air; 
With  beauty  favoured — it  inglorious  shone; 
Possessed  of  eloquence — he  could  not  share 
In  unpretending  talk  with  expectations  fair. 

XXXI. 

'Twas  this  affliction,  brought  by  fate^s  decree, 
That  proved  an  obstacle  to  all  his  schemes, 
Though  well  concerted  they  appeared  to  be. 
It  put  to  flight  all  matrimonial  dreams; 
It  stopped  of  traffic  the  perennial  streams; 
It  to  his  pleasures  was  a  deadly  blow; 
And  a  profession,  if  he  went  the  extremes, 
It  in  the  dust  at  once  laid  hopeless  low: 
One  instance  here  adduced  will  its  disaster  show. 


EUGENE.  19 

XXXII. 

Urged  by  a  friend,  and  invitations  due, 
He  once  concluded,  to  his  great  regret, 
To  make  one  of  a  numerous  party  too; 
Where  gentlemen  of  polished  life  were  met. 
And  etiquette,  the  most  fastidious  yet. 
In  all  its  multifarious  forms  obtained: 
What  tended  further  to  complete  the  set, 
Was  that  some  ladies,  to  the  fashions  trained. 
Were  present,  and  the  general  admiration  gained. 


XXXIII. 

The  latter,  like  the  meadows  in  a  scene 
By  artists  mixed  to  soften  nature's  sway, 
Gave  to  the  company  a  chastened  mien. 
Rejoicing  in  their  happiest  days  of  May, 
Their  beauties  opened  with  a  full  display. 
They  were  their  mothers'  ornament  and  pride;    ' 
Though  modest,  with  becoming  humour  gay; 
No  thoughts  did  in  their  gentle  hearts  reside, 
But  such  as  virtue  would  not  blush  to  publish  wide. 


^  EUGENE. 

XXXIV. 

Eugene  in  this  assembly  could  appear, 
In  graceful  air,  the  beauty  of  the  man, 
With  all  the  dignity  of  a  compeer; 
But  when  a  social  intercourse  began. 
And  all  joined  in  a  subject  as  it  ran; 
Showed  by  their  looks,  with  cheerfulness  attired, 
That  they  were  let  into  the  speaker's  plan; 
Raised  sudden  laughter  when  with  wit  inspired, — ■ 
*Twas  then  that  he  was  done,  and  by  his  silence  tired. 

XXXV. 

His  friend  indeed,  to  give  him  all  his  aid, 
Spoke  loud,  and  changed  the  talk  on  many  a  score; 
But  this,  though  with  a  brother's  kindness  paid, 
Supplied  no  fund  for  a  colloquial  store. 
Nor  to  the  subject  opened  him  the  door: 
The  little  light  which  he  through  it  received. 
Served  only  to  perplex  him  still  the  more. 
As  traveller,  when  by  taper's  ray  deceived, 
It  led  to  swamps  beyond  the  hope  of  being  retrieved. 


EUGENE.  21 

XXXVI. 

Whilst  all  was  life  and  gayety  around, 
Eugene,  like  water  stagnant  through  some  stays, 
And  kept  from  mingling  with  the  current's  bound. 
Was  a  sad  contrast  by  his  moody  ways. 
His  countenance  bereft  of  cheerful  rays, 
His  posture  through  inaction  tedious  grown; 
E'en  those  around  him,  deep  in  social  plays, 
Could  not  forbear  to  make  his  case  their  own. 
By  now  and  then  regarding  him  with  piteous  moan. 


XXXVII. 

Of  his  infirmity  all  uninformed. 
The  ladies  wondered,  in  their  girlish  freak. 
That  he  no  more  to  courtesy  conformed; 
One  of  them,  anxious  to  hear  him  speak. 
Framed  an  address  his  intercourse  to  seek: 
She  couched  it,  to  conciliate  his  breast. 
In  all  her  silvery  tones  so  soft  and  meek; 
But  he,  unconscious  of  his  being  addressed. 
Maintained  his  silence  with  composure  unsuppressed* 


22  EUGENE. 

XXXVIII. 
The  disappointed  fair  became  ashamed. 
And  coloured  in  her  face  as  scarlet  red-: 
To  vindicate  Eugene,  unjustly  blamed. 
His  comrade  in  excuse  his  deafness  plead: 
But  this  to  her  compassion  only  led; 
For  that  bewitching  charm  which  beauty  flings 
Had  now  forever  from  her  bosom  fled: 
From  admiration,  not  from  pity  springs 
That  all  resistless  flame  with  which  the  lover  wrings. 


XXXIX. 

Eugene,  all  prospects  thus  snatched  from  his  view, 
Loathed  any  longer  with  mankind  to  dwell. 
But  hopeless  to  the  wilderness  withdrew: 
Where  rose  the  mountain  with  a  rugged  swell; 
Where  streams  from  hanging  precipices  fell; 
Where  rocks,  on  rising  rocks  grotesquely  piled, 
Stupendous  closed,  or  left  a  hollow  dell, — 
There,  from  all  intercourse  of  man  exiled. 
He  wandered  far  sequestered,  and  the  time  beguiled. 


EUGENE.  23 

XL. 

In  this  secluded  place  he  lived  retired, 
Till  finally  an  institution  rose, 
Which,  yielding  the  advantage  he  desired. 
Urged  him  to  quit  the  place  of  his  repose; 
It  by  the  name  of  the  Lyceum  goes, 
An  institution,  where  on  theme  proposed 
The  candidates  in  a  discussion  close, 
Whilst  all  around,  promiscuously  composed, 
The  audience  is  enlightened  by  the  truth  disclosed. 


XLL 

The  great  advantages,  to  science  true, 
Which  from  this  institution  w^ill  arise. 
Must  strike  e'en  the  most  superficial  view. 
What  so  contributes  to  make  youth  more  wise  ? 
Where,  from  desire  to  obtain  the  prize, 
Must  he  the  page  of  history  so  scan? 
Where  so  discuss  a  question  as  it  lies? 
Where  with  such  niceties  his  language  plan. 
Adjust  his  actions  due,  and  polish  all  the  man! 


24  EUGENE. 

XLII. 

What  renders  it  the  more  important  still. 
Affords  the  disputants  a  nobler  field, 
Wakes  emulation,  and  draws  forth  their  skill. 
Is  that  the  ladies  the  discussion  gild, 
A  happy  audience  on  which  hopes  to  build. 
What  wight,  enkindled  with  a  virtuous  pride, 
Would  not  from  a  defeat  his  question  shield, 
When  she,  whom  he  has  destined  for  his  bride. 
Is  present — sees  and  hears  whatever  does  betide? 


XLIII. 

Eugene  availed  himself,  in  early  time. 
Of  this  Lyceum  for  which  he  had  prayed. 
How  he  surpassed,  in  eloquence  sublime. 
All  others  that  were  in  the  lists  arrayed. 
Although  no  mean  proficients  in  the  trade. 
The  muse  will  now  in  artless  verse  unfold; 
Not  slighting,  as  to  envious  spite  betrayed. 
Those  who  appeared  of  less  distinguished  mould, 
But  still  had  midst  their  rubbish  signs  of  purest  gold. 


EUGENE.  2* 

XLIV. 
The  number  of  competitors  was  five: 
The  first  of  whom  that  came  upon  the  stage, 
Seemed  awkward  from  his  diffidence  to  strive: 
For  fear  to  let  his  faculties  uncage, 
He  never  rose  to  the  pathetic  rage; 
His  voice  and  actions  one  same  tenor  wore, 
Like  an  unvaried  country's  even  page. 
Where  hills  and  dales  no  rugged  grandeur  tore. 
Where  cities  are  not  seen,  where  rivers  have  no  shore. 


XLV. 

Yet  in  his  composition  he  displayed 
A  strength  and  beauty  seldom  found  combined: 
A  depth  of  thought,  perspicuously  conveyed 
In  language  highly  flowing  and  refined; 
An  imagery  of  the  noblest  kind; 
A  sparkling  wit,  which  lighted  up  the  whole. 
The  coruscation  of  a  brilliant  mind; 
A  lively  humour,  that  brooked  no  control. 
But  broke  forth  without  ceasing,  and  cheered  up  the  soul. 


26  EUGENE. 

XLVI. 
The  second,  with  his  acquisitions  vain, 
Availed  himself  with  pleasure  of  his  time. 
Although  he  aimed  at  a  pathetic  strain, 
Raised  high  his  tone,  and  with  his  chest  sublime, 
Endeavoured  as  his  subject  rose  to  climb. 
Yet  was  there,  midst  his  vehemence  and  voice. 
An  inharmonious  and  monotonous  chime; 
A  cataract  of  words,  a  savage  noise; 
Sounds  uttered  without  art,  confounded  without  choice. 


XL  VII. 
And  emphasis,  which  like  relievo  shows 
The  prominence  that  in  expression  lies. 
Draws  forth  a  dazzling  lustre  as  it  glows, 
And  paints  its  native  colouring  to  the  eyes. 
To  this  it  was  that  he  could  never  rise: 
Nor  could  he,  with  his  accents  all  uncouth, 
Attain  inflexion  as  a  golden  prize : 
With  gestures  awkward,  and  with  voice  unsmooth, 
He  hurried  forward  as  a  bold  aspiring  youth. 


EUGENE.  27 

XL  VIII. 

His  style  was  florid,  and  through  vain  parade, 
Was  more  distinguished  for  a  pompous  show, 
(A  tinselled  subterfuge  adroitly  made,) 
Than  for  intrinsic  worth  contained  below. 
As  in  the  skies  the  meteors  come  and  go, 
Enduring  hardly  for  a  transient  view. 
E'en  so  his  phrase,  with  superficial  glow, 
But  for  a  moment  the  attention  drew. 
Then  passed  away  no  more  the  wonder  to  renew. 


XLIX. 

In  all  that  vehemence  and  ardent  zeal. 
Which  unpremeditated  speech  attend. 
When,  made  the  shaft  of  keen  reproach  to  feel, 
The  bursts  of  genius  in  invective  end, 
The  third  now  took  his  station  to  contend; 
His  strain  irregular,  but  bold  and  strong. 
Like  nature  where  the  scenes  in  wildness  blend; 
Rocks  heaped  together  in  terrific  throng. 
Impenetrable  forests,  rivers  rolled  along* 


EUGENE. 


The  strong  conviction,  which  he  deeply  felt, 
His  action's  force,  the  lighting  of  his  eye, 
Its  ready  influence  on  his  language  dealt; 
Administered,  in  copious  supply, 
Expressions  that  did  forcibly  apply; 
Called  in,  as  true  to  nature's  genial  laws, 
The  aid  of  images  of  various  dye; 
Gave  a  perspicuous  movement  to  his  clause, 
A  full  sonorous  flow,  as  tending  to  the  cause. 


LI. 

The  fourth,  commencing  with  a  graceful  ease. 
Addressed  his  audience  in  a  studied  strain; 
The  periods  varied  with  design  to  please; 
The  diction  smooth,  familiarly  plain; 
The  arguments,  in  a  connecting  chain. 
With  logical  propriety  deduced; 
The  imagery,  as  a  precious  gain. 
At  every  chasm  in  due  form  adduced; 
The  whole,  in  short,  to  the  established  rules  reduced. 


EUGENE. 

LII. 

With  all  this  method  and  array  of  art, 
He  failed  to  make  the  impression  he  desired. 
He  charmed  the  ear,  but  did  not  move  the  heart: 
Conviction,  the  important  point  required. 
By  which  the  mind  is  swayed,  the  bosom  fired, 
This,  weighed  in  its  results  however  small. 
He  in  no  instance  by  his  talk  inspired: 
He  grasped  the  shadow,  let  the  substance  fall- 
Smiles,  hearts  untouched,  responded  to  the  call. 

Lin. 

Eugene  with  a  majestic  air  appeared. 
And  gave  his  thundering  eloquence  the  reins. 
He  now  in  all  his  natural  strength  careered, 
Uncramped  by  deafness,  his  inherent  chains; 
As  when  a  stream,  swollen  by  a  freshet's  gains, 
Rolls  with  impetuous  force  its  watery  sway, 
Involving  in  its  channel  all  remains. 
Which  in  its  lowly  ebb  had  clogged  its  way, 
And  carrying  them  adrift  in  triumph  to  the  sea. 


30  EUGENE. 

LIV. 

His  eyes  that  flashed  the  fire  of  his  soul, — 
His  graceful  attitude — his  swelling  voice, 
That  rung  harmonious  music  to  the  whole — 
His  gestures,  made  with  gracefulness  and  choice, 
As  supplements  to  the  ingenious  noise, — 
These,  in  addition  to  his  beauteous  form, 
(Which  in  itself  too  oft  the  heart  decoys) 
O'erwhelmed  his  audience  with  a  secret  charm, 
'Gainst  which  it  struggled  all  in  vain  itself  to  arm. 


LV. 
His  language  gave  his  thoughts  a  glorious  show, 
E'en  like  the  sun  when  he  arrays  the  sky. 
And  streams  reflect  the  brilliant  beams  below. 
How  splendidly  his  diction  dazzled  by ! 

'    What  strength  was  in  his  phrase,  what  energy — 
The  true  sublime,  the  Ciceronian  swell! 
How  his  imagination  soared  on  high. 
And  revelled  where  the  grandest  sceneries  dwell, 

The  thunder's  hollow  roar,  the  lightning's  flashing  spell! 


EUGENE.  31 


LVI. 


The  effects  of  this  discourse,  we  may  suppose, 
Were  such  as  seemed  to  magic  arts  akin. 
Expressions  of  applause,  in  order  close, 
When  seeming  to  subside,  did  just  begin; 
As  when  the  thunder,  almost  spent  within, 
With  a  diminished  noise  in  heaven  rolls, 
Not  to  abate  in  its  terrific  din. 
But  only  to  procure  some  hotter  doles. 
And  shake  with  tenfold  violence  the  trembling  poles. 


LVII. 

Eugene,  thus  raised  at  once  to  highest  fame, 
Was  almost  worshipped  by  the  admiring  throng. 
Cards  everywhere  in  richest  gildings  came. 
All  proffering  their  invitations  strong. 
The  populace,  borne  by  the  cry  along. 
Expressed  their  homage  in  the  bluntest  way: 
Some  placed  him  their  relationship  among; 
Some  gloried  that  his  looks  did  theirs  betray; 
Some  knew  the  time  they  wrought  with  him  on  many  a 
day. 


CANTO  IL 


I. 

Is  humble  strains,  we  hitherto  have  seen, 
How  in  the  liberal  arts  Eugene  excelled; 
How,  spite  of  all  the  obstacles  between, 
He  finally  his  way  to  triumph  felled; 
We  now  shall  see  him  o'er  the  deep  propelled, 
In  quest  of  knowledge,  hid  in  learned  lore; 
To  hold  high  converse  with  the  works  of  Eld, 
As  from  their  gothic  piles,  with  ages  hoar. 
The  light  of  poetry  may  on  his  fancy  pour 


EUGENE.  S3 

II. 

Embarked  on  board  a  vessel  bound  for  France, 
He  ventured  on  the  sea,  in  spirits  high. 
To  make  his  voyage  as  a  child  of  chance. 
Whilst  the  receding  shores  he  still  could  spy, 
He  seemed  as  one  in  act  to  bid  good-bye, 
Not  yet  released  from  friendship's  pressing  hand; 
But  when  the  scene  had  closed  to  sea  and  sky, 
He  felt,  amidst  the  waves  without  a  strand, 
As  one  who  had  departed  from  his  native  land. 

III. 

Soon  as  the  stars  appeared  in  heaven  above. 
He  could  again  converse  with  kindred  ties. 
Again  saw  scenes  by  which  to  exchange  his  love. 
For  these,  as  Nature's  all  surveying  eyes. 
The  spacious  hemisphere  at  once  comprise: 
Look  simultaneously  on  those  below; 
On  maiden  who  at  home  prolongs  her  sighs, 
And  on  her  lover  doomed  the  sea  to  go. 
Blest  hearts  indeed  which  thoroughly  their  language  know. 
3 


34  EUGENE. 

IV. 
But  thee,  bright  Hesperus,  he  chiefly  eyed, 
Since  with  a  heart  he  left  behind  on  land, 
He  had  in  mutual  promises  complied, 
That  thou,  by  both  at  the  same  hour  scanned, 
Shouldst  join  them  in  a  manner  hand  to  hand; 
Shouldst  call  up  feelings  entertained  before. 
When  they  had  language  at  their  full  command; 
Shouldst  features  mutual  to  the  mind  restore. 
Such  as  they  seemed  when  all  beloved  they  met  on  shore. 

V. 

But  now  a  storm  in  all  its  wrath  prevails: 
With  blackening  clouds  the  sky  is  overcast; 
The  seamen  with  despatch  furl  up  the  sails; 
The  vessel,  wafted  by  the  furious  blast. 
Now  hangs  reclining  on  the  inverted  mast; 
Now  rolls  into  the  yawning  gulf  beneath, 
Whilst  from  the  skies  a  billow  threatens  vast: 
The  passengers,  with  terroi  out  of  breath. 
Prepare  in  various  attitudes  for  instant  death. 


EUGENE,  S5 

VI. 

Eugene,  thus  threatened  by  a  boisterous  sea, 
Gave  all  his  future  projects  to  the  wind,     ^ 
Regretted,  that  from  curiosity, 
He  ever  took  the  ocean's  tour  in  mind; 
He  thought  of  all  the  friends  he  left  behind, 
But  most  of  one,  the  nearest  to  his  heart; 
He  dreaded  too  a  watery  grave  to  find, 
A  grave,  which  forms  on  worldly  spot  no  part. 
For  memory  to  entomb,  or  jfriendship's  tear  to  start. 

vn. 

These  sad  forebodings  he  perceived  at  last. 
Were  nothing  but  unnecessary  fears. 
The  vessel  gallantly  rode  out  the  blast. 
E'en  like  a  noble  charger,  when  lie  bears. 
Spite  of  the  dreadful  front  which  battle  rears. 
His  lord  unharmed  through  all  the  ranks  of  war. 
Escaped  the  tumult  on  the  watery  spheres. 
It  gaily  skimmed  on  ocean's  bed  afar. 
With  sails  unfurled,  and  nothing  more  its  speed  to  mar. 


a§  EUGENE. 

VIII. 
He  landed  safely  on  the  Gallic  shore. 
When  now  the  vessel,  with  a  goodly  grace, 
Approached  the  haven  walled  from  billow's  roar, 
He  could  not  but  the  storm  in  mind  retrace, 
Which  it  encountered  on  the  ocean's  space: 
He  caught  in  fancy  at  the  checkered  life. 
Which  man  in  his  career  is  doomed  to  face; 
Now  all  a  scene  of  bustle  and  of  strife. 
Now  sunshine,  happiness,  and  an  indulgent  wife. 

IX. 

Eugene  held  in  contempt  the  mode  of  life, 
When  he  had  scarce  put  foot  on  Gallia's  soil. 
The  crowd  of  sycophants,  in  eager  strife 
To  catch  his  eye  with  words  as  smooth  as  oil. 
Though  wholly  bent  on  making  him  their  spoil; 
The  gentry  with  mustachioed  face  severe; 
The  sun-burnt  matrons  (bent  with  heavy  toil) 
In  wooden  shoes,  a  misery  to  hear, — 
These  tended  to  make  the  inhabitants  less  dear. 


EUGENE.  37 


He  staid  at  Havre,  (so  was  called  the  port 
At  which  he  disembarked  on  Europe's  coast,) 
Till  he  had  made  to  its  chef-d'oRuvres  resort: 
With  him  it  had  not  much  whereof  to  boast; 
The  streets  in  narrow  intricacies  lost; 
The  buildings  void  of  ornament  or  show, 
E'en  incommodious,  durable  at  most; 
The  public  edifices,  far  to  go, 
With  beauty  crowned,  but  real  magnificence  below. 

XL 

What  gave  it  greatest  interest  in  his  eyes, 
More  than  its  site,  distinguished  by  its  name,* 
Was  that  St.  Pierre,  in  his  Studiesj-  wise, 
Enrolled  it  in  the  register  of  fame:^: 
'Twas  this  attached  to  it  an  extra  claim, 
Cleared  up  the  streets  in  all  their  winding  maze, 


*  Havre  de  Grace,  a  delightful  harbour, 
t  His  work  entitled  "  Studies  of  Nature.'' 
%  St.  Pierre  was  born  at  Havre  de  Grace. 


SS  EUGENE. 

Removed  from  awkward  practices  the  shame, 
Made  it  for  sojourn  a  delightful  place, 
And  lent  the  sceneries  around  a  double  grace. 

xir. 

Eugene  to  Rouen  now  pursued  his  way. 
When  he  had  of  its  spires  a  distant  view, 
He  could  not  but  reflect  upon  the  day, 
When  Joan,  charged  with  crimes  of  blackest  hue, 
(Which  were  in  every  feature  proved  untrue,)* 
Was  borne  a  helpless  victim  to  her  fate. 
As  all  her  character  was  strange  and  new, 
I  shall  in  brief  her  history  relate, 
Which  cannot  fail  of  interest  at  this  distant  date. 


XIII. 
Despite  the  rumour  of  her  humble  birth,f 
She  was  the  daughter,  as  was  lately  found, 

*  Not  even  the  semblance  of  truth  could  be  proved  in  the 
alleged  charge  of  witchcraft  of  which  Joan  was  condemned, 
t  It  has  been  lately  discovered  that  Joan  of  Arc,  generally  sup- 


EUGENE.  Sg- 

Of  parents  famed  for  their  exalted  worth. 
The  low  condition  to  which  she  was  ground,* 
The  effect  of  malice  and  the  wars  around, 
Could  not  extinguish  that  heroic  fire. 
Which,  with  the  love  of  freedom  nobly  crowned, 
She  had  derived  from  her  intrepid  sire; 
To  the  contending  British  a  destruction  dire. 

XIV. 
Called,  as  she  fancied,  by  a  heavenly  voice, 
To  rescue  from  its  foes  her  bleeding  land. 
She  advertised  her  sovereign,  without  noise, 
Of  her  commission  by  divine  command. 


posed  to  have  been  the  daughter  of  an  humble  peasant,  was  in 
reality  of  royal  descent.  Her  father,  who  was  a  distinguished 
nobleman  in  Italy,  having  unfortunately  fallen  in  battle  at  a  time 
when  he  had  made  no  preparations  for  his  family,  could  never 
disclose  to  the  world  the  nobility  of  his  daughter's  birth;  for  it 
seems  that  he  had  her  clandestinely  conveyed  to  France,  and 
consigned  her  to  the  care  of  humble  peasants,  without  having  given 
them  the  slightest  intimation  of  her  rank. 
*  She  was  employed  as  groom  at  a  country  Inn. 


40  EUGENE. 

He,  by  the  superstitious  times  unmanned, 
Lent  an  indulgent  ear  to  what  she  said. 
Presented  her,  with  weapons  grasped  in  hand. 
To  all  his  troops  as  an  inspired  maid, 
Sent  by  the  God  of  arms  to  furnish  them  with  aid. 

XV. 

A  mission,  thus  announced  as  from  aboTe, 
In  times  when  superstition  swayed  the  mind. 
Could  not  but  of  the  greatest  moment  prore. 
The  French  it  to  the  combat  all  inclined, 
Convinced  it  was  for  their  relief  designed; 
The  British,  threatened  with  its  vengeful  ire. 
It  to  the  languor  of  despair  resigned. 
The  siege  of  Orleans  was  an  instance  dire. 
Where  Joan  greatly  signalised  her  martial  fircc 

XVI. 

Being  nobly  mounted  on  her  milk-white  steed. 
Which  she  would  manage  with  peculiar  grace. 


EUGENE.  41 

She  foremost  dashed  into  the  fight  with  speed, 
And  bore  down  all  she  met  within  her  space. 
Disdaining  to  give  to  a  woman  place, 
And  fired  by  the  valour  she  displayed. 
Her  comrades  rushed  with  furious  might  apace, 
And  all  around  a  dreadful  carnage  made, 
Whilst  o'er  their  heads  the  consecrated  banner*  played. 

XVII. 
The  British,  failing  to  withstand  the  shock, 
Began  in  every  quarter  to  give  way : 
The  French,  with  Joan  as  their  sheltering  rock. 
Continued  with  redoubled  wrath  to  slay. 
And  rendered  still  more  fierce  the  bloody  fray; 
Nor  did  they  into  ranks  retiring  fall, 
Till  they  had  carried  the  contested  day, 
Displayed  their  colours  on  the  conquered  wall. 
Relieved  the  city,  and  prepared  for  festive  hall. 


*  Joan,  on  going  forth  to  battle,  had  always  carried  before  the 
army  her  banner,  set  off  with  such  devices  as  were  emblematic  of 
her  mission. 


42  EUGENE. 

XVIII. 
Thus  destined  in  the  ranks  of  war  to  shine, 
There  was  no  longer  for  conjecture  place, 
That  Joan's  mission  was  indeed  divine. 
A  tide  of  victories,  rolled  far  apace. 
Swept  towns  on  towns  in  one  triumphant  trace; 
As  when  o'erswoUen  streams,  the  hills  among. 
Force  a  new  channel  for  a  wider  space: 
"Woods,  cattle,  cities,  in  one  deluged  throng. 
Are  carried  by  the  torrent  far  and  wide  along. 

XIX. 

Like  faithful  warrior,  to  his  sovereign  true, 
Brave  Joan  did  not  from  the  field  retire. 
As  long  as  hostile  armies  were  in  view. 
But  when  her  rescued  country  could  respire 
From  all  the  ravages  of  arms  and  fire, 
She,  like  a  noble  patriot  of  yore, 
Expressed  for  a  withdrawal  her  desire. 
Though  poverty,  the  same  she  braved  before. 
She  knew  awaited  her  all  grimly  at  the  door. 


EUGENE.  4S 

XX. 

When  with  this  wish,  so  humble  yet  sublime, 
Her  sovereign  was  not  willing  to  comply, 
Convinced  it  did  not  with  his  interest  chime, 
She  passed  her  private  inclinations  by, 
And  showed  her  readiness  in  his  cause  to  die; 
More  valiant  than  ambition's  honour'd  crew, 
Who,  darting  on  exalted  rank  their  eye. 
Have  solely  self-aggrandizement  in  view. 
The  object  for  which  only  they  appear  as  true. 

XXI, 

She  would  her  wonted  bravery  display, 
Till  at  a  sally,  when  with  ardour  fired. 
She  was  at  too  great  hazards  drawn  away. 
Her  own  sworn  officers  her  fall  conspired: 
Grown  jealous  of  the  laurels  she  acquired. 
They  left  her  with  the  enemy  in  the  dust.* 

*  It  is  confidently  asserted  that  her  officers,  j  ealous  of  the  estima- 
tion in  which  she  was  held  by  her  sovereign,  abandoned  her, 
when,  her  horge  having  fallen,  she  was  in  the  midst  of  the 
enemy. 


44  EUGENE. 

So  Athens  grew  of  Aristides  tired, 
When  by  his  probity  and  faithful  trust, 
He  had  obtained  the  glorious  epithet  of  "  Just" 


,   XXII. 
Her  captors,  in  the  way  of  traffic  old,* 
But  destitute  of  all  exalted  views. 
Sold  her  to  England  for  a  sum  of  gold. 
And  did  that  country,  conscious  of  her  dues, 
Make  purchase  of  her  to  unloose  her  screws? 
Her  valour,  though  an  enemy's,  to  reward, 
Fit  retribution  when  real  merit  sues? 
Was  it  about  that  honour  to  regard. 
Which  even  savages  themselves  will  not  discard? 

XXIII. 
Alas!  far  otherwise  its  coward  aim. 
To  bind  its  helpless  victim  on  the  pyre,f 

*  Having  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  Burgundians,  in  heading 
a  sally,  Joan  was  sold  by  them  to  the  English,  for  10,000  livres. 

t  Jo^-n  was  burned  by  the  English  at  Rouen,  charged  with  the 
crime  of  witchcraft. 


EUGENE.  45 

And  mock  her  woes,  amidst  the  raging  flame, 
Ere  in  the  shrieks  of  death  she  could  expire. 
Far  more  tormenting  than  the  wasting  fire, 
For  this  it  basely  bartered  gold  away, 
Of  tyranny  the  ignominious  hire; 
For  this  it  purchased  her,  whom  in  the  fray, 
It  could  not  meet  without  the  tremblings  of  dismay. 

XXIV. 
E'en  so  the  ass,  as  in  the  fable  told. 
Avenged  himself  upon  the  lion  sick: 
Made  by  his  dying  state  supremely  bold. 
He  raised  his  clumsy  heel  to  aim  a  kick, 
And  would  meanwhile  his  long  ears  archly  prick. 
The  monarch  of  the  forest,  deeply  stung, 
Did  not  the  least  at  the  contusions  stick. 
But  felt  the  insult  which  the  ass  had  flung; 
'Twas  this  his  royal  breast  with  greatest  torture  wrung. 

XXV. 

Was  Joan  so  corrupted  by  her  fame. 

That,  like  most  characters  for  deeds  renowned, 


46  EUGENE. 

She  knew  religion  only  by  its  name? 
Indignantly  on  all  devotion  frowned, 
Which  was  not  in  her  own  encomium  drowned? 
Died,  and  knew  not  there  is  a  God  on  high. 
By  whom  the  virtuous  are  with  glory  crowned, 
Whilst,  doomed  in  endless  misery  to  lie. 
The  wicked  are  excluded  from  the  upper  sky  ? 

XXVI. 

What  saint  was  more  to  adoration  given, 
Than  she  when  at  her  death  to  God  she  cried? 
Though  by  the  clergy  grudged  the  rights  of  heaven. 
She,  to  recall  the  death  her  Saviour  died, 
A  cross  (held  by  a  clown)  intently  eyed;* 
But  when  within  the  flames  she  stood  inwalled, 
She  raised  her  voice  amidst  the  fiery  tide. 
And,  by  the  gaining  torrent  unappalled, 
With  her  expiring  breath  on  her  Redeemer  called. 

*  When  Joan  was  standing  at  the  stake,  encircled  with  the 
flames,  she  requested  a  clown  to  hold  up  two  sticks  in  the  form 
of  a  cross  (for  she  was  denied  all  the  rites  of  religion.)  Having 
her  eyes  fixed  on  this  cross,  she  cried  with  her  last  breath  to  hea- 
ven for  mercy. 


EUGENE.  47" 

XXVII. 
May  He  have  heard  her  voice — May  He  who  said, 
"  Ask  and  you  shall  receive,"  have  had  regard 
To  the  petition  of  his  injured  maid — 
May  He  who  will  in  future  times  reward, 
(As  a  requital  for  the  sentence  hard,) 
The  guiltless  victim  of  tyrannic  power, 
Have  pardoned  her,  as  her  bequeathed  award, 
Those  sins  she  stooped  to  in  an  evil  hour. 
Who  has  not  given  the  Fiend  entrance  to  his  bower? 

xxvm. 

Comeille,  the  Shakspeare  of  the  French  confessed. 
Made  Rouen*  still  more  famous  with  Eugene, 
Urged  him,  when  with  no  wordly  thoughts  oppressed, 
To  scrutinise  alone  the  neighbouring  scene, 
The  scattered  hills  with  winding  stream  between, 
That  in  his  rambles  lonely  and  retired. 
He  might  be  where  the  poet  once  had  been, 

*  Rouen  is  famous  as  the  birthplace  of  Comeille. 


48  EUGENE. 

Admire  the  sceneries  which  he  admired, 
And  be  like  him  with  all  the  charms  of  song  inspired. 


XXIX. 

As  eaglets,  when  they  first  attempt  the  sky, 
Are  in  their  voyage  aiming  at  the  sun, 
As  Liberty's  broad  beacon  set  on  high, 
Nor  deem  their  altitude  completely  won. 
Till  they  have  all  the  other  birds  outdone, 
E*en  so  Corneille  for  Lucan's  spirit  sped, 
When  his  career  of  fame  he  first  begun; 
E'en  so  he  deemed  as  having  made  no  head. 
Till  he  had  wholly  his  competitors  outfled. 


XXX. 

An  independent  spirit,  all  along. 
Pervades  his  numbers  in  a  copious  vein, 
And  gives  an  elevation  to  his  song. 
Like  to  a  steed,  impatient  of  the  rein. 
But  ever  eager  to  devour  the  plain, 


EUGENE.  49 

His  muse  overleaps  the  threshold  at  a  bound, 
And,  helped  by  the  impetuous  start  amain. 
Sweeps  with  majestic  grace  the  fairy  ground, 
To  the  delight  of  all  spectators  ranged  around. 

XXXI. 

When  now  of  Rouen  he  had  ta'en  adieu, 
Eugene  proceeded  by  a  narrow  way. 
That,  with  high  clamberings  and  turnings  due. 
He  might  at  last  to  Caen  succeed  to  stray, 
A  towr  in  which  he  longed  to  pass  a  day; 
Not  that  with  vast  extent  and  stately  dome. 
It  rose  in  a  magnificent  array; 
But  as  it  had  been  Charlotte  Corday's  home,* 
Known  for  her  bold  exploit,  and  her  untimely  tomb. 

XXXII. 

Despite  the  charms  with  which  she  was  endowed— 
A  face,  which  rather  like  an  angel's  seemed, 

*  Caen  was  Charlotte  Corday'g' place  of  residence. 

4 


50        ,  EUGENE. 

Than  a  frail  mortars  to  destruction  vowed — 
A  mind,  whose  purity  of  heaven  beamed — 
A  heart,  when  with  a  kindred  heart  it  streamed, 
With  love's  unfeigned  emotions  all  on  glow — 
Despite  these  rare  perfections  heavenly  deemed, 
She  desperately  aimed  the  assassin's  blow. 
And  sent  her  victim  reeling  to  the  shades  below. 

XXXIII. 

For  it  was  not  that  patriotic  zeal, 
With  which  the  breast  of  Brutus  was  inspired, 
When  he  stabbed  Caesar  for  the  public  weal. 
That  Charlotte  with  a  warrior's  ardour  fired: 
Revenge  was  what  she  in  her  heart  desired;* 
A  passion  which  true  heroism  flies; 
And  which,  as  far  as  her  exploit  it  hired, 
Reduced  the  boldness  to  a  mean  emprise. 
Despite  the  public  blessing  t^  which  it  gave  rise. 

♦  The  daring  intrepidity  displayed  by  Charlotte  Corday  in 
stabbing  Marat,  did  not  so  much  arise  from  a  spirit  of  patriotism, 
as  from  a  desire  of  taking  vengeance  for  the  death  of  her  lover, 
who  was  guillotined  by  the  instrumentality  of  Marat. 


EUGENE.  51 

XXXIV. 

Though  Charlotte,  from  a  loftiness  of  mind, 
Had  long  withstood  the  shaft  of  Cupid's  bow; 
But  when  at  last  by  his  address  made  blind, 
She  was  designed  its  full  effects  to  know; 
An  officer,  of  pleasing  outward  show. 
At  length  made  an  impression  on  her  heart; 
So  deep  did  now  this  late  sensation  go. 
That  he  was  never  from  her  thoughts  apart: 
She  could  no  more  from  him,  than  from  herself  depart. 

XXXV. 

His  manly  beauty  justified  her  love. 
He  was  a  youth,  whose  noble  carriage  drew 
The  eyes  of  all  'mongst  whom  he  used  to  move. 
His  well-formed  person,  striking  to  the  view; 
His  manners,  seasoned  with  the  graces  due; 
His  bravery,  conspicuous  in  his  air. 
And  in  the  heat  of  action  proved  as  true,=^ 
These,  joined  to  Honour's  badge  which  he  did  wear, 
Were  strong  temptations  to  entrap  the  fickle  fair. 


52  EUGENE. 

XXXVI. 

When,  sweetly  locked  in  one  another*s  arm, 
They  passed  the  hours  from  resort  aside. 
Who  can  imagine  the  delicious  charml 
Made  happy  in  their  hearts  by  love  allied, 
They  were  forgetful  of  the  world  beside: 
Wealth,  honours,  friends,  which  tempting  prove, 
Were  in  their  ecstasy  a  thought  denied; 
And  Nature's  cravings,  stifled  by  their  love, 
Slept  all  unthought  of  at  some  distant  far  remove. 

XXXVII. 

Yet  were  they  never  made  in  wedlock  one. 
Relentless  fate  did  all  their  prospects  blight. 
So  when  two  streams  have  long  together  run, 
A  mountain  comes  between  with  towering  height. 
And  separates  them  far  to  left  and  right: 
The  trav'ller  mourns  the  separation  sore. 
Marat  the  tyrant,  urged  by  secret  spite. 
Gave  Charlotte's  lover  to  the  hangman  o'er, 
To  lop  his  head,  and  drown  his  beauteous  form  in  gore. 


EUGENE.  58 

xxxvm. 

So  falls  a  goodly  poplar  straight  and  tall, 
Which  cottager  has  planted  lay  his  door. 
He  sees  with  joy  its  growth  beside  the  wall, 
As  strength  and  verdure  their  perfections  pour; 
He  strews  beneath  with  seats  the  verdant  floor, 
To  share  the  pleasure  of  its  shade  around; 
But  whilst  he  glories  in  its  precious  store, 
A  blast  comes  suddenly  with  furious  sound, 
And  scatters  all  his  fancied  prospects  on  the  ground. 

XXXIX. 

The  grief  of  Charlotte  cannot  be  conceived. 
At  first,  she  seem  immersed  in  silent  woe; 
But  when  she  found  herself  somewhat  relieved, 
She  let  the  floodgates  of  her  sorrow  go; 
Like  clouds,  which  thick  the  welkin  overflow. 
And  threaten  to  pour  down  a  copious  shower: 
They  first  in  drops  their  dark  contents  bestow, 
As  with  overloaded  weight  they  seem  to  lower; 
But  then  at  once  in  one  continued  torrent  pour. 


54  EUGENE. 

XL. 
To  grief  succeeded  all  the  storms  of  rage. 
To  slay  the  author  of  her  lover's  death, 
Did  now  her  thoughts  exclusively  engage: 
She  seemed  to  waste  her  life  in  idle  breath, 
Till  she  could  in  his  breast  her  dagger  sheathe. 
The  danger,  consequent  upon  the  blow, 
She  disregarded  as  her  thoughts  beneath.- 
To  press  the  vengeance,  kept  her  mind  in  glow; 
The  rest  she  let  all  to  the  winds  unthought  of  go. 

XLI. 
She  took  for  Paris  post,  full  of  her  plot, 
And  hurried  on  her  journey  day  and  night. 
To  be  the  sooner  on  the  wished-for  spot. 
Scarce  could  she  from  her  vehicle  alight, 
But  she  made  ready  for  the  desperate  fight: 
Armed  with  a  dagger,  suited  to  her  hand. 
Though  kept  a  secret  from  the  obtrusive  sight. 
She  gained  admittance,  by  her  loud  demand. 
Into  the  tyrant's  room  well  for  her  purpose  planned. 


EUGENE.  55 

XLII. 
Unconscious  of  ill-will,  or  harm  designed, 
He  used  no  method  to  be  on  his  guard . 
Whilst,  from  the  tenor  of  his  bloody  mind, 
He  took  for  victims'  heads  a  strict  regard. 
She  rose,  as  to  his  project  to  accord. 
And  plunged  her  dagger  deep  into  his  breast. 
As  for  her  lover's  death  a  due  reward. 
His  instant  fall,  which  sent  him  to  his  rest, 
Her  hand's  determined  intrepidity  confessed, 

XLIII. 
She  made  no  efforts  to  fly  from  arrest. 
As  crowds  in  terror  hurried  to  the  door. 
But  the  whole  deed  as  her  own  act  confessed. 
With  looks  serene,  and  hands  imbrued  in  gore. 
She  eyed  the  scene  with  satisfaction  o'er: 
As  when  with  knife  in  hand,  through  slaughter  red, 
A  butcher  stands  a  bleeding  beef  before. 
And  waits  collected  till  the  beast  has  bled, 
That  he  may  lay  it  to  his  mind,  and  skin  it  dead. 


56  EUGENE. 

XLIV. 

With  such  a  look,  unconscious  of  all  fear. 
Stood  Charlotte  at  the  fallen  tyrant's  side; 
So  little  did  she  fly  from  danger  near, 
When  struggling  in  his  agonies  he  died: 
E'en  when  the  officers  their  irons  plyed. 
She  showed  no  disposition  to  oppose; 
She  was  resigned  her  sentence  to  abide, 
Since  she  had  slain  the  author  of  her  woes. 
The  point  at  which  she  was  content  her  life  to  close. 

XLV. 
Throughout  her  trial,  which  ended  in  her  guilt, 
She  showed  a  heroism  unsurpassed: 
The  base  tyrannic  blood  which  she  had  spilt, 
She  knew,  would  not  her  reputation  blast. 
She  held  these  sentiments  e'en  to  the  last, 
«  That  crime,  and  not  the  scaffold  makes  the  shame:" 
With  these  in  mind,  when  on  the  block  bound  fast. 
She  vindicated  her  unspotted  name. 
And  looked  to  future  ages  for  her  meed  of  fame. 


EUGENE.  57 

XLVI. 
Eugene  directed,  without  loss  of  time, 
His  course  to  Paris  by  the  nearest  route: 
For  he  had  read,  when  yet  in  early  prime, 
Of  its  magnificence  displayed  about. 
Its  streams  of  blood,  by  anarchy  let  out, 
The  expedition  also  importuned; 
When  distantly  in  sight  of  it  without. 
He,  with  his  feelings  to  the  time  attuned. 
In  such  soliloquy  with  his  own  heart  communed. 

XL  VII. 
"  Within  these  walls,  enclosing  but  a  span. 
What  crimes,  as  countless  as  the  sand  on  shore, 
Have  been  committed  by  that  creature  man! 
Vesuvius,  ^tna,  when  too  full  their  store. 
Will  boil  with  the  o'ertortured  lava  o'er, 
And  to  their  bowels  transient  rest  bequeath; 
But  this  receptacle  of  vice,  the  more 
It  does  with  its  corrupted  matter  seethe, 
The  more  it  will  look  an  irruption  in  the  teeth. 


58  EUGENE. 

XL  VIII. 
"  What  virtue,  deigned  a  reign  on  earth  too  brief, 
Has  fallen  here  to  tyranny  a  prey ! 
Who  can  contemplate,  without  sighs  of  grief. 
The  massacre  of  St.  Bartholomew's  day? 
Who  does  not  turn  his  face  aghast  away. 
When,  hanging  on  the  lips  of  ripened  age. 
He  sees  the  '  Reign  of  Terror*  in  its  swayl 
Whose  blood  boils  not  when  he  reads  o'er  the  page 
Of  the  Burgundian  League,  and  Isabella's  rage  ?" 

XLIX. 

Eugene,  when  he  had  now  the  city  gained. 
Resolved  to  visit,  at  an  early  time. 
The  public  edifices  it  contained. 
So  much  extolled  in  transatlantic  clime. 
That  his  research  might  with  devotion  chime. 
He  first  to  Notre  Dame  pursued  his  way: 
That  building,  with  antiquity  sublime, 
Drew  forth,  as  he  indulged  in  a  survey. 
The  following  sentiments  thus  artless  brought  to  day. 


EUGENE.  69 

L. 

"  One  thousand  years  ere  Washington  was  bom,* 
These  walls,  as  I  behold  them  now,  were  piled — 
They  had  been  by  the  wrecks  of  ages  worn, 
When  yet  Columbus  was  a  suckling  child, 
And  fair  America  an  unknown  wild: 
Ye  who  would  know  the  grandeur  of  this  fane, 
Go  view  her  blest  with  independence  mild: 
Survey  her  commerce,  carried  o*er  the  main 
As  far  as  rival  nations  intercourse  maintain; 

LI. 
"  Behold  her  cities,  smiling  on  the  coast. 
Like  the  creations  of  some  fairy's  hand. 
The  abodes  of  wealth,  and  fashion's  proudest  boast: 
Explore  the  state  of  her  interior  land, 
Her  towns,  as  flourishing  they  scattered  stand, 
Amidst  the  scenes  of  cultivation  gay: 

*  The  ancient  church  Notre  Dame,  in  the  city  of  Paris,  was 
built  early  in  the  8th  century. 


60  EUGENE. 

Investigate  her  constitution,  planned 
By  wisdom's  counsels  in  the  simplest  way, 
Combining  of  good  government  each  nation's  ray. 

LII. 

"  Such  only  can  in  their  own  bosoms  feel 
The  sentiments  which  I  would  here  express. 
Traced  by  the  progress  Europe's  works  reveal, 
This  edifice  will  strike  the  mind  the  less. 
What  is  the  city  which  the  Czars  possess? 
What  is  proud  Venice,  with  its  marble  wall? 
Considered  in  the  sunshine  of  success, 
They  are  all  nothing,  epochs  to  recall, 
When  with  America  compared  which  shames  them  all. 

LIII. 
"  When  Henry  was  in  this  Cathedral  crowned,* 
What  crowds  of  people,  gathered  far  and  wide, 

*  Henry  the  Sixth  was  crowned  king  of  England  in  Notre 
Dame,  in  the  year  1422. 


EUGENE.  61 

And  for  their  wealth  and  rank  alike  renowned, 
Have  witnessed  the  imposing  scene  betide. 
Here  were  the  greatest  men  that  France  supplied, 
And  in  that  age  of  fame  she  had  her  share; 
Here,  honoured  by  distinguished  Powers  allied. 
The  crown  received  a  more  important  air; 
Here  pressing  and  oppressed  the  crowd  were  seen  to 
stare. 


LIV. 
«  The  ladies  here  were  seated  in  a  row. 
More  dazzling  than  the  jewels  which  they  wore. 
Ah!  how  their  cheeks  did  like  the  roses  glow. 
Their  features,  formed  on  beauty's  happiest  score, 
Expressed  the  love  they  in  their  bosoms  bore; 
Their  hair,  in  many  a  ringlet  twirled  around, 
Hung  down  their  shoulders  in  luxuriant  store; 
Their  hands,  of  delicate  proportion  found. 
Were  with  a  more  than  snowy  whiteness  richly  crowned. 


62  EUGENE. 

LV. 

•    "  Full  twice  t^o  hundred  years  have  passed  away, 
Since  this  assemblage,  congregated  so, 
Shone  by  its  lustre,  and  obscured  the  day. 
Where  now  the  members  that  made  up  the  show? 
The  monarch,  whom  with  adulations  low 
All  honoured  in  his  Majesty  serene] 
The  nobles,  with  their  wealth's  unemptied  flow, 
Their  pride  of  lineage,  and  their  spirits  keen? 

The  ladies,  who  with  native  charms  adorned  the  scenel 

LVI. 

"  Gone,  where  armorials  no  rank  bestow. 
Committed  to  the  earth,  the  common  bed. 
Where  all  without  distinction  are  laid  low. 
Another  generation  came  ahead. 
Which  for  its  day  its  gaudy  plumage  spread, 
Then  sunk  into  the  earth  the  grave  to  fill; 
Another,  and  another  swelled  the  dead; 
Each,  like  its  predecessor,  strove  up  hill. 
Till  unexpected  death  did  all  its  prospects  spill. 


EUGENE.  63 

LVII. 

"  Did  nature  miss  them  passing  thus  away? 
The  sun,  as  loath  for  grief  from  bed  to  rise, 
Was  he  less  careful  to  bring  back  the  day  ? 
Drooped  in  the  night-the  stars  with  weeping  eyes? 
Endured  the  seasons,  as  in  mourning  guise, 
A  change  unsanctioned  by  the  rolling  year? 
Appeared  the  streams,  as  taken  with  surprise 
In  the  smooth  current  of  their  gay  career? 
Appeared  they  to  the  eye  less  beautiful,  less  clear? 

LVIII. 
«  No  more  than  at  the  falling  of  the  leaves. 
Which,  when  in  autumn  they  have  dropped  away. 
The  coming  spring  with  a  new  set  retrieves. 
Whence  then,  O  man,  thy  towering  pride,  O  say? 
What  cause  fo^  such  magnificent  display  ? 
Thyself,  all  Nature,  Revelation,  show. 
That  thou  art  but  a  creature  of  a  day. 
Doomed  to  descend  into  the  earth  below, 
As  all  the  works  of  clay  must  one  time  crumbling  go." 


VA  0/929 


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